Chat with Andrew Feldman
Welcome to SportsNation! On Monday, ESPN.com poker columnist Andrew Feldman will stop by to chat about the World Series of Poker and take any other poker questions you may have.
Feldman will be out in Las Vegas to bring you the highlights of all the action. Be sure to check out ESPN.com's coverage of the 2009 World Series of Poker.
Send your questions now and join Andrew Monday at 4 p.m. ET!
More Andrew Feldman: Blog | Chats | Columns | Poker index
Andrew Feldman (4:01 PM)
Hey everyone. We've lost 17 people already today...send in those questions, I'll get to them in a minute.
DJ (PGH)
Andrew, Based on the fast play, we are down to the November Nine by now right???
Andrew Feldman (4:05 PM)
Haha. We're almost there. We've lost a couple more people since I made that last post, but no, we still have some players to go before N9.
Jon (Naperville)
Do you have a percentage of pros vs amateurs left in the field?
Andrew Feldman (4:07 PM)
Not officially. If I had to guess, I'd say 15% percent are still are professionals. It's a tough question as Chops just said, because what defines a pro right now...
Joe (Atlanta)
Seems like a lot of last years N9 had good runs, who's still around?
Andrew Feldman (4:08 PM)
Kelly Kim made the money, but Dennis Phillips and Peter Eastgate are still alive as we're an hour into Day 6.
Justin (East Brunswick, NJ)
Why are so many people pushing in with such big stacks? What are the differences in prize money between say 175 and 75 or so? Could that explain it -- people need to double up or it's not much more money?
Andrew Feldman (4:09 PM)
There isn't a big difference at all until we go from 16th to 15th and 13th to 12th. I really don't get it, but they look at the average chip stack and see that they're behind and think they need to double up...which isn't the case at all.
Scott (not Vegas)
any idea on who the youngest and oldest players that are still playing?
Andrew Feldman (4:10 PM)
I know Matt Affleck is 22. The oldest player, at 70, was just eliminated a half hour ago.
Justin (Denver)
Andrew, you mentioned that Wasicka said it would be a while before he played poker again. Was it a particularly bad beat, or is he just tired of it?
Andrew Feldman (4:10 PM)
He said that everything that could go wrong, went wrong. When I saw the all-in, he was behind with A-J vs A-K, so I don't think it could've been that beat specifically
Andrew (WI)
What exactly happened yesterday when a player went all-in and got their AA mucked? That seemed like such a strange sequence of events.
Andrew Feldman (4:12 PM)
JC Tran raised, the player moved all-in and somehow the dealer mucked her cards by accident. The floor was called and nice enough that they gave her at least some of her chips back. She didn't protect her cards...
Steve (PA)
Now that Kevin O'Donnell has been eliminated, did you find out the real story on how he snuck in on Day 1D?
Andrew Feldman (4:12 PM)
Working on it. I'm sure we'll have something about that after the WSOP is over.
Tim (Nashville)
Can you give us an update on Peter Eastgate and comment a bit on whether you think Eastgate making ther N9 twice in the first two years is one of the greatest WSOP Main Event accomplishments in recent memory.
Andrew Feldman (4:15 PM)
Eastgate and Phillips are actually now at the same table. A nice little reunion. I think that their accomplishments are incredible even at this point. The further the go, the more amazing it will be and I think, at this point, given the numbers, we can move this one ahead of Raymer's run in 04 and 05
Kevin (WV)
With such deep stacks, it would seem like this would favor the pros. Do you think Ivey will be able to sit back and wait?
Andrew Feldman (4:16 PM)
Ivey is one to gamble and that's why, although he has the the name and reputation, he'll take those risks and either chip up or go home, despite the stack sizes. I think a lot of the other experienced players iwll take their time, but Ivey falls into a different category.
Joe (Green Bay) [via mobile]
Better for ESPN: Eastgate and/or Phillips in the N9 or Ivey in the N9?
Andrew Feldman (4:16 PM)
Ivey.
james (honolulu)
How many women are left in the field ?
Andrew Feldman (4:17 PM)
Two. And they're both at the same table today -- the secondary feature. Both very nice too.
james (honolulu)
There was never any mention of Jordan Farmar being knocked out on the podcast or on any poker site? any idea who knocked him- how long he lasted ?
Andrew Feldman (4:18 PM)
Sorry, I thought I mentioned him on Day 3 when he was eliminated. He lasted until dinner on that day.
Scott (not Vegas)
is everyone sponsored at this point? if so, is it enough to cover their buy-ins? So they can (or should) play to win, instead of push
Andrew Feldman (4:19 PM)
No, not everyone, but a good amount of players have gear and logos on. I think that the sites are trying to get as many players as possible for obvious reasons, but I think the prestige of being logoed has fallen significantly.
Bob (Ohio)
So is this chat going to happen or not?
Andrew Feldman (4:19 PM)
I've been chatting. Refresh the page?
Tom (Florida)
When are you gonna give up the act of being surprised that people are playing like maniacs? Its been happening for a couple years now, and it will continue to happen. This reckless and unnecessary style of play is here to stay.
Andrew Feldman (4:20 PM)
Never. This year is especially quick though in comparison to the last few years. I guess the aggression level will continue to rise and I'll have to cope with it.
Eric (Los Angeles)
What would be more impressive, Lisandro winning three bracelets or Ivey winning two and making it to the final three tables of the ME?
Andrew Feldman (4:20 PM)
Ivey. Although Lisandro made a deep run here as well.
Justin (Denver)
This is my take on the agression. When you have a stack deep enough to call a preflop raise with 4-5 suited, then you're going to follow through on that draw when it even remotely hits you. Is that what you are seeing, players losing their stacks on draw-heavy all-ins?
Andrew Feldman (4:22 PM)
No. I'm seeing 70 big blinds being moved all-in preflop with A-J or A-Q.
Andrew Feldman (4:22 PM)
Cole South eliminated in 166th.
Jarrod (Columbus, OH)
In the big hand yesterday with Lutz where he and his oppenent got it all in with 180BB each on a 9 6 5 2 clubs board with Lutz holding AQc and his oppenent a set of 9s. Did you speak to either player and get any insight?
Andrew Feldman (4:24 PM)
He'd been playing big pots all day. I didn't talk to him after the hand, but I expect that he isn't the most patient player and with the nuts, saw the opportunity for another huge win.
Dan (NY)
Any word on Lou Diamond Phillips?
Andrew Feldman (4:25 PM)
Eliminated during the last hand of play last night.
Andrew Feldman (4:25 PM)
Hachem just took down a pot from Eastgate.
Sylvain (Calgary)
What's the magic number to hit for tonite?
Andrew Feldman (4:25 PM)
No magic number anymore. Five levels no matter what...unless we're down to 9.
Phil (Albany, NY)
What is going rate for a site to get someone "logoed up"?
Andrew Feldman (4:26 PM)
10K I believe. Nothing like freerolling your main event.
Pete (Rochester, NY)
But this year *isn't* especially quick compared to other years-it's almost the exact same. The tournament always plays 50 bbs deep all the way through (for example, watching a replay of last year with 68 people left the average stack was 2mil and the blinds were 15-30k). It does slow down going from 27-9, but I believe the average stack has been >50 bbs at the final table start each of the last 4 years. The deep play doesn't slow eliminations, it just means that players will blow themselves up on the turn and river rather than preflop and on the flop.
Andrew Feldman (4:27 PM)
We're 90 BBs deep right now...and we're not at the final table yet. Play will slow down to where you said, but right now, it's quite crazy.
TC (Las Vegas)
With the rate of people dropping, will they be play at 6pm pst. I wanted to come by after work to see the action.
Andrew Feldman (4:27 PM)
They'll be here until midnight PT.
Steve (PA)
How'd the Dream Team event turn out? Do you think it'll return next year?
Andrew Feldman (4:29 PM)
Lots of players, lots of fun, it will definitely be back and despite my personal thoughts on it, I think it will be a bracelet event next year.
Tim (Nashville)
Do you think the pressure is turned up on Phil Ivey now that he's running deeper and deeper in this tournament? I only say this because you wrote earlier this week that he doesn't like the spotlight and begged to be taken off the featured table the first day.
Andrew Feldman (4:30 PM)
He wants to win, that's for sure, but it's not like him to really feel the pressure that comes along with a deep run. If he makes it, it's great for the poker world, but on a personal level, he's just playing poker.
Pete (Rochester, NY)
Why did Harrah's and espn let Matusow play Harrington's stack yesterday? Seems like it is unfair for the rest of the room when someone crashes and burns like that.
Andrew Feldman (4:31 PM)
Hahaha. Dan made one good read, but his opponent made a better one. Dan felt his opponent was weak and tried to take advantage, but the fact that his opponent calls with third pair was simply incredible.
Jarrod (Columbus, OH)
So are Eastgate, Hachem and Phillips at the same table? And if so is it safe to assume it's the featured table? Who is the biggest stack overall at that table?
Andrew Feldman (4:32 PM)
Actually, not featured at all right now. Maybe they'll swap to it at the break, but they weren't all together when play started. Featured is Tom Schneider and Prahlad Friedman.
Jon (Boston)
Who is chipping up so far today?
Phil (Albany, NY)
I saw a post stating that there was a slow-roll incident yesterday. Hinkle and O'Malley, any insight
Andrew Feldman (4:33 PM)
Ivey, Hachem have chipped up so far, but nothing to significant.
Andrew Feldman (4:34 PM)
There was a slow rolling incident, but in all respect, Hinkle had to show first since he made the bet.
Bill ((Florida))
I think that I read that this year's November 9 is guaranteed $1.2 mil where last year 9th paid out at $900K with a larger playing field. So the pay structure is very different this year which I imagine has led to the aggressive play.
Andrew Feldman (4:35 PM)
It is really, really flat this year until you get to the top. That's why getting eliminated right now is fine. The real money bubbles aren't until there are two tables left.
BB (LA)
I'm listening to the poker edge, reading this chat and following your tweets all at the same time. It's exhausting, Andrew. Has the fast pace of the tourney made you rush to get all the pertinent info to us? Thanks for the coverage.
Andrew Feldman (4:36 PM)
I do what I can out here to get you all the info as possible. Unfortunately, I can only do one Poker Edge a night. I thought a tri-daily audio blog would've been better, but there's no resources back in Bristol to do it.
Jeremy (Maine)
What unknown player this year stands the best chance of making a real name for him/herself like Dennis Phillips last year?
Andrew Feldman (4:37 PM)
I haven't me them yet. We're a long way away until I can make that assessment. Yes, it's only two more days, but there are still too many unknowns.
Mike (CT)
Other than Jordan Morgan have we lost any *big* names?
Andrew Feldman (4:39 PM)
So far, he's the only casualty.
Ben (AL)
Has there been anymore crazy prop bets like the tequila one or has everyone pretty muched clamed up for the most part, considering the amount of money on the line?
Andrew Feldman (4:39 PM)
Even though the money isn't anywhere in comparison to where it will be on Wednesday, the prop bets have stopped and players are concentrating on the action itself.
Andrew Feldman (4:40 PM)
however, late at night, it's no surprise to see a couple people start drinking at the table. Blair Rodman's last request last night was for a Corona.
John (Detroit)
Can you expand on the Matusow/Harrington comment for those of us who may not know what the heck happened?
Andrew Feldman (4:40 PM)
Sure. There was a Matusow-like blow up by Dan Harrington yesterday. He got a lot of chips, made a bad read, lost most of his stack and was gone within an hour.
Brian (Charlotte, NC)
Is Craig 'craigthedead' Boyd still alive? I am at work and can't access wsop.com. If he is alive, what do you think of his chances to final table? If he busted, how did it go down? Thanks!
Andrew Feldman (4:41 PM)
Yep. Still alive. Not sure of his current chip count though, sorry.
Jimmy (Iowa)
What are the chances you'll do the chat all the way till november?
Andrew Feldman (4:41 PM)
0. Sorry. how about a weekly one?
Mike (CT)
As a fan who are you rooting for? Gotta be Ivey right. On a side note, how fitting is it that Hellmuth went out with AA. lol.
Andrew Feldman (4:44 PM)
We actually just had this discussion among the media. Nolan Dalla asked me that question as we were talking around the tables this morning. As a fan, I'd like to see one of three players win: Sebok, Hachem or Phillips. Those are easy guys to root for. They're outgoing, friendly and most of all would be great as champions
Andrew Feldman (4:45 PM)
Another two down.
Jeremy (Rochester, NY)
Am I the only one rooting for a Joe Sebock v. Joe Serock heads up match?
Andrew Feldman (4:45 PM)
No. I want them at the same table too. Think of the mistakes in the updates.
Cosmo (Anytown, USA)
If someone busts now, how much do they win?
Andrew Feldman (4:46 PM)
$40K. Nice little payday. Another one down.
Andrew Feldman (4:46 PM)
Another one down. Chris Bjorn this time.
Andrew Feldman (4:47 PM)
Another one down. John Monette.
ilan (haifa)
Can you please get to the bottom of the old couple following around Phil Ivey today ?
Andrew Feldman (4:48 PM)
They're here. And he talks to them too! It's not like they're just stalkers, but they really are friends, apparently. He was joking with the wife last night.
Andrew Feldman (4:48 PM)
Another one down, Scott Clacken?
Andrew Feldman (4:49 PM)
Another one down, Brian Hansen
Joe (Green Bay) [via mobile]
While I wasn't impressed with some of his behavior, John Monnette had an impressive showing throughout the WSOP.
Andrew Feldman (4:49 PM)
Couldn't agree more Joe. He was greatly overlooked this year as well, but had a very impressive WSOP with a couple final tables.
Jarrod (Columbus, OH)
Ivey is known for his dislike of the spotlight and media. Is he just intorverted and a loner or just like that during competitions and is a nice guy away from the table/golf course etc. ?
Andrew Feldman (4:51 PM)
It's not like he's an introvert, he just would rather focus on what's important. In his case, making money. He doesn't need the additional fame. He has all his deals and among his friends, he's just like anyone else, but he'd rather not give more exposure to the media if he could avoid it. If he makes the final table, I think he'd be asked to go out of his way and be accommodating to the media.
Mike (Boston)
Why won;t Phil Gordon stake you in the main?
Andrew Feldman (4:51 PM)
There are a ton of better ways to spend $10K.
Dan (Tampa)
We saw a ton of twittering from a number of top pros throughout the WSOP. For fans and media it was awesome!! Do you think, however, it is a little dangerous for them to give away strategy and mental notes so freely? Their tablemates would be following their tweets if they were smart!
Andrew Feldman (4:52 PM)
Twitter is about instant information. I think that players that give away their strategy are taking a risk, but who even knows if its true or not.
jon (naperville)
If i'm not mistaken we are getting down to 27 by end of day tomorrow. What happens if we are down to 45 by end of night is tomorrow a 1-2 leve day
Andrew Feldman (4:53 PM)
Effel said this morning that they'll play as long as they need to tomorrow. Whether it's 27 or less, they have to play to get the blinds up to speed.
Justin (Denver)
Who had a better year than Lou Diamond Phillips. Wins 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Outta Here' and finishes in the top 200 at the WSOP? That's a couple of lifetime achievements within a 2 month period
James (Iowa)
Any gauranteed Flushy awards you've seen? Worst attempt at tilting oppents - Phil Helmuth without pants.
Andrew Feldman (4:53 PM)
That will most definitely get a mention. clapping going on, not sure why.
jeremy (ohio)
how many players are currently left?
Andrew Feldman (4:55 PM)
151, another player eliminated.
Phil (Chicago)
Any updates on David Benyamine so far today?
Andrew (Virginia)
That old couple's been mentioned on 1 or 2 ESPN broadcasts. Apparently, they met Ivey back in his AC days and follow him at tournaments.
Andrew Feldman (4:55 PM)
Nothing on Benyamine, and before I lose this question, I'm going to try to get them on the podcast today.
Mike (Honolulu)
Love the live Chat updates and chance we can get Blog updates on the hour from here on in?
Andrew Feldman (4:56 PM)
I'm usually on the floor during the action and update afterwards. Twitter is really the best way to follow me when the blog isn't updated.
Chris (Florida)
35 more eliminations this round, crazy. What was the clapping?
Andrew Feldman (4:57 PM)
It was followed by an "Aussie Aussie" so I'm assuming Hachem won a pot.
Phil Gordon (Las Vegas)
I don't stake Feldman because I enjoy being in the Zero Bracelets club with him.
Andrew Feldman (4:57 PM)
Because I'd obviously win one.
Jim (PA)
Why aren't players allowed to use electronic devices once they are in the money? Seems like a dumb rule to me.
Andrew Feldman (4:58 PM)
Terrible rule to me, but I think it's more so that they can listen to the instructions of the tournament staff.
Andrew Feldman (4:58 PM)
Another player out. Another Aussie Aussie Aussie.... They're baaaack.
Cosmo (Anytown, USA)
How many years before every table is able to be viewed via the internet?
Andrew Feldman (4:59 PM)
Too difficult in the near future...I don't expect it to happen at all given the security issues that would have to be taken into consideration.
TC (Las Vegas)
With the current field playing, do you see any amateurs making the final 9? How about a Pro with the best chance the final 9?
Andrew Feldman (5:00 PM)
6 amateurs, 2 pros and 1 name. I'll have to wait to see what pros are left standing after tonight to make that guess.
Andrew Feldman (5:02 PM)
6 amateurs, 2 pros and 1 name. I'll have to wait to see what pros are left standing after tonight to make that guess.
Andrew Feldman (5:03 PM)
6 amateurs, 2 pros and 1 name. I'll have to wait to see what pros are left standing after tonight to make that guess.
Andrew Feldman (5:04 PM)
I'm outta here guys. Twitter is @ESPN_Poker. We lost two more as I lost my internet connection (what else is new around here). Thanks for following me and don't forget the Poker Edge on ESPNRadio.com where you can relive the first 11 days anytime you'd like.
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